NHL News: Canucks Furious With Certain Rumors; Submit Complaint To NHL

Thursday, April 10, 2025 ,

The Vancouver Canucks are reportedly furious over speculation linking head coach Rick Tocchet to the recently vacated Philadelphia Flyers job and have taken the unusual step of filing a complaint with the NHL. 

According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts podcast, the Canucks have made their displeasure known to both the league and, potentially, the Flyers organization. 

“I think the Canucks have not been happy with the noise around Tocchet and Philadelphia,” Friedman said. “I think they've made their displeasure quite clear — potentially to the Flyers and to the league itself.”

Tocchet, who played 11 seasons with the Flyers and served as their captain during the 1991-92 season, was quickly floated as a possible replacement for Tortorella following his firing. 

Though the rumors didn’t originate from Philadelphia directly, the Canucks were caught off guard by the chatter and acted swiftly to assert control over the situation. 

Tocchet is under contract through June 30, but Vancouver holds a team option for 2025-26, which they are prepared to exercise if necessary. “This was their way of coming out and saying, ‘Hey, Rick Tocchet is our coach,’” Friedman added.

Despite the Canucks' tumultous season, Tocchet remains a well-regarded figure in Vancouver after leading the team to a Pacific Division title last year and winning the Jack Adams Award. 

The organization has already begun preliminary extension talks, and while Tocchet hasn’t publicly commented on his future beyond this season, the Canucks are making it clear they intend to retain him — one way or another.

Photo Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

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